The New York Yankees and their star player, Aaron Judge, are getting ready for a big comeback in 2024 after a tough year in 2023. They missed out on the playoffs, so they’re making some big changes to their team. One exciting change might be Aaron Judge moving to bat third in the lineup. This means he’ll be in a different spot when it’s his turn to hit. Fans are curious to see how this switch will play out and if it’ll help the Yankees win more games.
A Change in the Cards for Aaron Judge?
Amidst the Yankees’ offseason roster shake-up, manager Aaron Boone revealed a possible adjustment to the team’s batting order. Aaron Judge, the former American League MVP, has been persistent in his request to bat third in the lineup. Boone, acknowledging Judge’s eagerness, hinted that this might indeed become a reality for the upcoming season.
“Aaron Boone says that Aaron Judge has been badgering him about hitting third in the lineup: ‘He might get his wish, finally,'” shared @snyyankees. This change could provide a new dynamic to the team’s potent lineup and maximize offensive potential. With Spring Training on the horizon, fans can anticipate seeing Judge in the crucial third spot during exhibition games.
The Yankees made waves during the offseason by executing one of the most significant trades in MLB history. The Bronx Bombers sent a package including Michael King, Jhony Brito, Randy Vasquez, Drew Thorpe, and Kyle Higashioka to the San Diego Padres in exchange for the powerhouse duo of Juan Soto and Trent Grisham.
The acquisition of Juan Soto adds a new element to the team’s offensive strategy. It is speculated that Soto may take the second spot in the batting order, with Judge potentially batting third. This strategic move aligns with maximizing the team’s offensive capabilities and creating a well-balanced lineup.
Aaron Judge’s Long-standing Desire to Bat Third
Aaron Judge’s desire to bat third is not a newfound wish. On a podcast hosted by his former hitting coach Sean Casey, Judge expressed his preference for the third spot in the lineup, especially with Juan Soto ahead of him. He highlighted the allure of being the big, heavy hitter in the lineup and emphasized Soto’s ability to get on base consistently.
Boone confirmed that Judge has been pushing for this change for about six years, stating, “He might get his wish finally.” Despite occasional lineup adjustments in the past, Judge has consistently expressed his preference for the third spot, citing the depth and strength of the current Yankees lineup.
In a recent interview, Judge said, “I may be old school in that fact, but all the great hitters when I was growing up watching, you want to be a three-hitter.” He sees the opportunity to hit behind Soto as an ideal situation, given Soto’s ability to draw walks, hit for power, and drive in runs. Boone acknowledged Judge’s persistence, noting, “In the end, whatever I decide, he’s usually good with. Even in the year he hit 62 [home runs], he always sneaks in a, ‘What about third?’ on me quite a bit.”
As the Yankees prepare for the upcoming season, the potential adjustment in Aaron Judge’s batting position adds an intriguing element to the team’s strategy. With a revamped roster and the dynamic duo of Soto and Judge, fans eagerly await Spring Training to witness the new-look Yankees in action. The anticipation is high, and the team’s faithful are hopeful that these changes will lead to a successful and thrilling season.